Review of On The Rocks by Sawyer Bennett

Synopsis:

He left to travel the world for fame and glory, but only after spurning Gabby Ward and crushing her young heart. Now Hunter Markham has come back home to the sand and salty breeze of the North Carolina Outer Banks so he can open up Last Call, a beach bar nestled among the dunes of the Atlantic. 

Gabby Ward is not happy that Hunter has returned. Bitter over his rebuff years before, she’s content to stay far away from him and his dangerously charming ways. 

Gabby’s well-schemed plans to ignore Hunter go up in flames when he presents an offer to her that she simply can’t refuse, throwing them together in a common quest to each reach their goals. Working together day in and day out proves to be problematic for Gabby, who soon realizes that the feelings she had for him are still very much alive. Hunter struggles to reach through to Gabby’s cold heart, all while starting a new career away from his life as a top ranked, professional surfer.

What starts out as a mutual business arrangement soon turns into a passion that neither of them can continue to deny. 

Hard choices lay ahead for both of them when Hunter is offered a once in a lifetime opportunity to return to the pro surfing tour.

Choices that could destroy what they have built or take them further than they ever had dared to hope.

Leia’s Review:

I think it is now fair to say, I have a slight girl crush on Sawyer Bennett.

Every book I read from her just exceeds my expectations and I love it!!

On the Rocks was no different!

On the Rocks is the heart-happy story of Gabby and Hunter. 
Gabby has been in love with Hunter since, well, forever.  And on her graduation night, Gabby puts the moves on Hunter to let him know how she feels.  Hunter shuts her down quickly, effectively breaking her heart (and mine).

Fast-forward 5 years and Hunter has taken an “early retirement” from his professional surfing career because his twin brother, Brody, is being released from prison. He heads home to the Outer Banks opening Last Call, a local bar.

Gabby, still reeling from the heartbreak of Hunter Markham, has also returned home to the Outer Banks after her father passed away.  She is trying her hardest to keep the family construction business alive, but that’s a hard job considering she is a female in a male dominated profession.  But Gabby, she is fierce! Sucking up her heartbreak – she puts in a bid to refurbish Last Call.

As they start working together, Hunter starts to realize that even though he wasn’t able to be in a relationship with Gabby 5 years ago, maybe the time is right now.  But convincing her of the same thing is going to be difficult, because he has hurt her before and she’s not ready to open herself up to hurt again.

“Hunter Markham has the ability not to just hurt me.  He is a man that could destroy me.”

 And with the pressures of his brother not being the same person he was, a new career as a bar owner and his agent constantly nagging him to get back on the Surf Tour – Hunter has his plate FULL.  As they navigate through trying to heal past wounds and develop a relationship, they encounter their fair share of ups and downs.  What I love about their relationship though? It’s so….just real. I mean, after the initial shock wears off on Gabby – they have an actual adult relationship where they can count on each other.  Where they try to put the other person first.  They trust each other and love each other deeply. I mean…just….. here, look:

“Taking my hand, Hunter resumes our walk, his hand holding onto me a little more tightly.  ‘What team are you on, Gabby?’
‘I’m on your team, baby.  I’m on the team that makes Hunter happiest.’”

See? I LOVE THEM!

This story is so wonderful.  The flow is perfect. The story is witty, romantic and has plenty of spice.  It’s just so well balance and well written…..you can’t help but be immersed in the story. Do yourself a favor, and start this series. It is definitely one I will be re-reading!

5 Stars!!

Buy On The Rocks for Kindle US Here

Buy On The Rocks for Kindle UK Here

Buy On The Rocks for Nook Here